Granada, Spain - Short History and Travel Information

Andalucia » Granada » The Magical Granada

La Alhambra in Granada
(a photo by Alaskan Dude)

The magic of Granada as an example of an oriental city fascinated the imagination of the people from the western civilization during the 19th century. A great contribution to this was made by the the American writer and his book "Tales of the Alhambra" which inspired many other writers and artists of the time to try to reproduce the wonders of this fairy-tale castle in Granada. Today Alhambra is the most visited tourist attraction in Spain. It is almost impossible to seclude yourself near the fountains of its breezy green gardens with nice alleys but you can always find a relatively quiet corner where to think about the past grandeur of this place. Many other sights and rich cultural events can be enjoyed in Granada. To some degree this is because of the nearly 50 thousand students in the city. The magnificent snow peaks of Sierra Nevada raise above the city and create a supernal atmosphere.

The Gardens of Alhambra
(a photo by hosiawak)

There are three main tourist zones in Granada. The first one is, of course, the hill-top castle with Alhambra. Then you can walk along the romantic narrow streets of Albaicin, a neighbourhood at the foot of the hill with La Alhabra offering amazing sights and a variety of restaurants. Eventually you can visit the "new" city which spreads on the plain below. In this interesting part of the city you will feel the beating heart of Granada and find series of interesting sights, cafes, boutique shops and elegant boulevards. Sacramonte, the district on the hill north of Albaicin, with caves inhabited by gypsies, is a possible fourth sightseeing zone. The are is know for its numerous flamenco bars, but they are not authentic. Don't take precious things with you, leave them in the car. Something better - leave the car itself on a parking and go to the hill on foot or by the public minibus.

The Cathedral of Granada
(a photo by Macnolete)

Granada had been ruled by the Moors since 731 AD. But its golden age was in 1031 when the Caliphate of Cordoba fractured into small independent regions. After centuries of darkness was established a kingdom of grandeur, wealth and art, ruled by the dynasties of Almoravids, Almohadis and Nasrids (after 1238). The art and science flourished in an atmosphere of magnificence and religious tolerance, which attracts thinkers from the entire Europe, North Africa and the Near East. The architectural complex La Alhambra was built which peak is the Nasrid palace. In the same time the Christian world expanded from the north in its Reconquista, conquering the other Moorish cities. Granada stood alone against the Christian expansion more than all of the rest Muslim states in Spain, but eventually was captured by Isabel and Fernando in 1492, after a 6 moth long siege. The last member of the Nasrid dynasty - Boabdil (Abu Abdullah) and his mother left the country and went away in exile. According to the legend whenKing Boabdil was running he turned back to Granada to see it for the last time and shed a tear-drop. Today this passage in the mountain is called El Suspiro del Moro (The last sigh of the moor). The nearly 8 century long period of Muslim rule in Granada was over. But the region was fully liberated not until the defeating of the last seaside outpost of the Iberian Islam in 1570.

A view of Albaicin
(a photo by Daquella manera)

The golden age of Granada continued during the Renaissance when were created important monuments, such as the Cathedral, the monastery Monasterio-Iglesia de San Jeronimo and the Royal Hospital (Hospital Real). During the 17th century was built another beautiful monastery - La Cartuja and in the city were born famous Andalusian artists, such as Alonso Cano and Pedro de Mena. The greatest writer of Granada during the 20th century is Federico Garcia Lorca who was killed by general Franco’s troops in the beginning of the Civil War. Today, Granada is a lively city, full of memories from the past grandeur and in the same time a contemporary city, provided with all public services. And the Islam is returning again with the expanding Maroccan community.